Amcinonide is a highly potent steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Amcinonide topical (for the skin) is used to treat inflammation and itching caused by skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

Amcinonide topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Wash your hands before and after using amcinonide, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

You should not use amcinonide if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of skin infection;

• a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;

• liver disease; or

• an adrenal gland disorder.

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

It is not known whether amcinonide topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using amcinonide topical.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

High doses or long-term use of amcinonide topical can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Avoid getting amcinonide topical in your eyes.

Do not use amcinonide topical to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Avoid using other topical steroid medications on the areas you treat with amcinonide, unless your doctor has told you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Amcinonide topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening of your skin condition;

• redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or

• possible signs of absorbing amcinonide topical through your skin--weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, pain behind the eyes, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Steroid medicine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing or gaining weight at a normal rate while using amcinonide topical.

Common side effects of amcinonide topical may include:

• burning, itching, irritation, or dryness of treated skin;

• redness or crusting around your hair follicles;

• acne, increased hair growth;

• stretch marks, thinning skin; or

• white or "pruned" appearance of the skin (caused by covering treated skin with a tight bandage or other covering).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.